Dover-Foxcroft, Maine -
Enchanted Forest - Gone

I wanted to take my kids here during our trip to Maine - so I contacted a nearby B&B who had advertised The Enchanted Forest in their "Local Attractions" for more information.

Sadly the Enchanted Forest is no longer... though Paul Stiffler, the creator of the forest, is still going strong and in his 90s. [plantsluv2grow, 08/01/2008]

We went to this attraction after seeing it here on RA but never did find it. We asked about 5 or 6 different locals, including two of the librarians at the public library, and two locals took us to its second home after it was moved. But it was apparently moved again after being vandalized by teenagers. No one knew where its current home is. [Lisa, 06/30/2007]

There's an incredible place that only the locals know about. An elderly man had a pine forest on his property. Year after year, he carved life sized figures from the trees. He made interactive games, also, such as a bowling alley. The bowling alley was a path cleared through the trees. The balls and pins were carved from pine trees. There are huts, tables, etc. There are life-size Charlie Brown figures, fairy tale characters, etc.

The pine forest is very large. He would add more characters year after year. Unfortunately, he passed away last year. The Kiwanis Club took over. Maybe it will become "commercialized" now.

The man made this for kids to play in. It was never advertised. There was no admission fee. It was just an outside attraction on a small side road. No signs lead to it. If you ask any local person, they can direct you to it. [Margie, 03/13/2000]

[RA: We've heard that Ardell is not dead yet -- just slowing down.]